Sony Xperia SL improves on Xperia S with 1.7GHz chip, Android 4.0

Sony has quietly revealed a new addition to its smartphone line-up, the Xperia SL. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s a modest update to the Xperia S — which only went on sale six months ago. But in the fast-paced world of Android smartphones, not every new release is a radical reinvention of the last generation. Sometimes it’s necessary to keep pace by refreshing an existing model’s internals while you work on the next big thing.

Instead of the 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 found in the original, Sony’s opted for a 1.7GHz chip in the Xperia SL. You’ll also be treated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich right out of the box instead of having to limp along on Gingerbread and wait for Sony to cement its OTA update plans.

The phone’s weight and thickness remain unchanged, and the 4.3-inch 720p Mobile Bravia display and 12MP Exmor R rear-facing camera still feature prominently. Sony’s also offering up two new color options now — white and pink — in addition to the original silver and black hues.

Sony’s still trying to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the wake of its break with Ericsson. The Xperia SL might not have shoppers lining up in the streets for opening day sales, but it’s good to see that the company is willing to re-tool a solid phone that’s already on the market. Better that than let the Xperia S sit around on store shelves and slink into obscurity as new hero phones arrive from other manufacturers.